MATTY Dawson-Jones has paid tribute to the old pros who convinced him to stick with rugby during his darkest moments.

The Bulls winger was seriously contemplating calling it quits after suffering a horrendous time in recent seasons.

He ruptured his cruciate soon after making his debut for Hull FC before his first campaign with the Bulls was written off because of the pandemic. Then he missed the majority of last year with a broken arm and thumb.

Dawson-Jones was close to pulling the plug on his career – and is thankful to those who talked him round.

“It wasn’t something I took lightly,” he said. “I spoke to a few people I’ve played with in the past and I’m glad I stayed in the game now.

“I talked to some old pros coming to the end of their career and they told me that you’re a long time retired and I should think about it properly. I’m grateful for their experience for helping sort myself out.

“To get back on the pitch was what I wanted and hopefully I can continue that now.”

Sunday was just his ninth Bulls outing and Dawson-Jones set them on the road to a big win at Dewsbury with two early tries. He is determined now to make the most of every minute.

“I want to give back to the fans,” he said. “You can see how loyal they are but I knew that before I came to the club.

“I’m hoping I can give them what they want and perform on the pitch.

“You probably take it for granted. But I look back now to when I was talking about retirement and I’m like, ‘what were you thinking?’

“I’m not a good watcher, purely because I’ve missed so many games over my career through injury.

“It’s one of those frustrating things. I probably have got better over the years but after a while you just feel like a spectator, especially when you know you’re not going to play for that season.

“You miss those moments when the fans are singing your name, taking your daughter on the pitch afterwards and your wife is in the stand. It means a lot and I hope people can see that.

“It’s massive on a personal level. To be back on the field was enough for me but the tries were the icing on the cake.”

Having started the Championship in style, Dawson-Jones is excited for the home opener against Sheffield this weekend.

“The friendly games at Odsal have been great. It was good to have a few more fans in the stand for Broughy’s (Danny Brough) testimonial and I’m sure it will be like that on Sunday.

"To get a win in the first game is always important and we want to back that up."